Many qualities, or characteristics, of sports coaches contribute to the success of their teams, as well as their professional reputations. The United States Sports Academy identified 17 of these traits in a survey given to high school sports coaches, and they ranked a handful of them as being more important than the rest. They include sports knowledge, motivation and communication, skill development and practice quality.

Sports Knowledge

Sports coaches must know the ins and outs of their sports, but those who really help their athletes and teams grow keep their knowledge up-to-date by reading trade publications, watching games, and attending clinics, according to head high school baseball coach Bill Olson, writing for the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. In addition to learning and experience with sports rules, the United States Sports Academy says that the quality of pulling together all these resources to make good coaching decisions is important for success.

Motivation and Communication

The characteristic of motivating and communicating with athletes in an effective manner is essential for a sports coach. Players look to the coach for advice and mentoring, so a challenging but positive and supportive approach helps them to improve their game, and to reach their highest potential as athletes. Coaches also must communicate positively with other sports staff members, parents of young athletes, and fans. Coaches also use nonverbal ommunication, including hand gestures and facial expressions.

Skill Development

Coaches who know how to effectively use repetition and proper progression of drills for sports techniques can lead players more easily to success. For example, the United States Sports Academy says a characteristic of a good sports coach is the ability to introduce easier skills first, and then gradually progress to more difficult skills. Repeating drills using these skills makes them become ingrained habits that players can use in a game automatically in competition.

Practice Quality

The ability to plan practices effectively is another characteristic of a great sports coach. For example, a quality session gives all players a chance to practice. It uses time efficiently so that players can integrate new information into their drills. Good practices also focus on areas that need improvement, and are limited to only a certain amount of time.

About the Author

Anna Windermere started her writing and editing career in 1993, upon graduating from the University of Florida's esteemed journalism school with a bachelor's in journalism. Ms. Windermere, a senior-level copy editor, has appeared in mastheads of newspapers and magazines as copy chief, writer and proofreader, including "Sun-Sentinel," "Miami Herald," "City Link," "New Times," "NewBeauty," "Luxe," "Florida Alligator," "Orange & Blue," and more.